Rauding Theory Predictions of Amount Comprehended under Different Purposes and Speed Reading Conditions

Abstract

RAUDING THEORY makes precise predictions about the amount of passage comprehension; the accuracy of these predictions was investigated under different purpose conditions and differing rates of presentation. Passages at Grade 10 difficulty were presented to 102 college students at rates varying from 62.5 to 100,000 words per minute using motion picture film. The two purpose conditions were: (a) get the gist, and (b) detect the missing verbs. Four different measurement techniques were used and all indicated that the amount comprehended was not substantially affected by purpose. Comprehension was generally high at the low rates, but it was approximately zero at 1,000 words per minute and greater. The amount of comprehension at each rate was accurately predicted from rauding theory. The data do not support the idea that individuals can read unfamiliar but relatively easy material at high rates with high accuracy of comprehension, but they do provide strong support for rauding theory.

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